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From colour to odour: 6 urine clues doctors use to spot serious diseases and what you should do when you notice them

 Your body’s silent signal
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Your body’s silent signal
Doctors say urine is like a health report card. Changes in its colour, smell, or pattern often appear before other symptoms and can warn of underlying health conditions.
 Dark amber or brownish urine
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Dark amber or brownish urine
According to the Mayo Clinic, very dark or tea-coloured urine may signal liver disease or hepatitis, as excess bilirubin builds up. If it persists, get a liver function test.
Reddish or pink urine
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Reddish or pink urine
Cleveland Clinic warns that blood in urine (even invisible amounts) can be an early sign of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or bladder cancer. Always seek a doctor’s evaluation immediately.
 Cloudy or foamy urine
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Cloudy or foamy urine
Persistent foamy or cloudy urine can indicate protein leakage from the kidneys, an early sign of Chronic Kidney Disease. A simple urine protein test can confirm it.
 Sweet or fruity odour
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Sweet or fruity odour
A strong sweet or fruity smell may be a sign of Diabetes, as per the American Diabetes Association. It happens when excess glucose spills into urine. Get your blood sugar tested.
 Strong ammonia-like smell
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Strong ammonia-like smell
Very pungent ammonia smell often points to Urinary Tract Infection or severe Dehydration, according to the National Institutes of Health. Drinking fluids and getting a urine culture test helps clarify.
Very frequent urination
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Very frequent urination
Frequent urges to urinate without increased fluid intake can be an early warning of Type 2 Diabetes, as the body tries to flush out excess glucose. A fasting blood sugar test is advised.
(Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a doctor promptly if you notice persistent or unusual urine changes.)
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